PLANNING ON USING FIREWORKS THIS NEW YEAR’S EVE? ALSO USE CAUTION!!

Do you plan to make fireworks a part of your New Year’s Eve celebration tomorrow night? Local fire officials are urging you to use caution if you do.

Robert Owens, fire safety educator with the Rome Fire Department, says that children ages 5-19 and adults ages 24-44 are most vulnerable to injuries related to fireworks.

Owens indicates that there are some fireworks that are legal in the state of Georgia, including sparklers. He adds that the use and storage of fireworks are heavily regulated by the state fire marshal’s office.

Owens says that when it comes to using fireworks, read the label! Adult supervision is also absolutely necessary. And make sure to have a bucket of water handy in case you need to extinguish those fireworks for any reason.

Owens also urges the public to not mix alcohol and fireworks. Those under the influence of alcohol are at greater risk for injury.

And, of course, never, never give fireworks to small children.

For more New Year’s fire safety tips, call the fire safety educators at the Rome Fire Department at (706) 236-4540.